The Musings of a Unitarian Universalist Minister

Tag Archives: Mood: Welcoming

I was expecting this to be a difficult song to learn – enough times, that “Irregular” at the bottom of the page signals complex rhythms and intervals. Yet once I got into it, and I felt the 9/8 rhythm (which is really a glorious 3/4), the song suddenly felt familiar, in a way that makes …

I’m not sure if this should be a new rule, but it should be something: This title is highly misleading, and we need to do something about that beyond the couple dozen of you who read this blog. “Has Summer Come Now, Dawning” sounds for all the world like a SUMMER song, doesn’t it? And …

Another season, another praise for the season song. Color me surprised. Now don’t get me wrong – this isn’t a bad thing. Hymns like this are wonderful openings for seasonal services, especially those that celebrate our seventh principle. And the tune is delightful and lively – this is a perfect opening hymn for the first …

Another damn morning song. You that have spent the silent night in sleep and quiet rest, and joy to see the cheerful light that rises in the east, that rises in the east, Now lift your hearts, your voices raise, your morning tribute bring; all nature join in grateful praise — rejoice, give thanks, and …

A post that is hardly about this hymn at all, but it’s fine. Sovereign and transforming Grace, we invoke your quickening power; reign the spirit of this place, bless the purpose of this hour. Holy and creative Light, we invoke your kindling ray; draw upon our spirit’s night, as the darkness turns to day. To …

The sun that shines across the sea, the wind that whispers in the tree, the lark that carols in the sky, the fleecy clouds a-sailing by, O, I’m as rich as rich can be, for all these things belong to me! The raindrops which refresh the earth, the springtime mantle of rebirth, the summer days …

May nothing evil cross this door, and may ill fortune never pry about these windows; may the roar and rain go by. By faith made strong, the rafters will withstand the battering of the storm. This hearth, though all the world grow chill, will keep you warm. Peace shall walk softly through these rooms, touching …